A harmonious and natural smile is a significant element of the ideal of beauty. It attracts attention and fills the face with light and vitality, thereby contributing to strengthening self-image and creating social relationships. In an ideal situation, the smile exposes the front upper teeth and about 1 mm of the gum tissue. A "gummy smile" is a situation in which there is an increased exposure of the upper gums when smiling. The resulting smile is not aesthetic and in these cases, most people avoid smiling or hiding their mouth while smiling.
The causes for gummy smile:
- Increased muscular activity - the group of facial expression muscles are the ones responsible for the formation of the smile. The muscles cause the upper lip to lift upwards while smiling. Increased mobility of the muscle will cause a greater lift of the tongue and allow excess exposure of the gums.
- A developed/increased structure of the upper jaw - an increased vertical upper jaw (long jaw) causes the upper lip to be relatively short. The short lip does not cover the teeth and any upward movement while smiling results in excessive exposure of the gums.
- Short upper lip - a short upper lip cannot provide ideal coverage for the gums.
- Short teeth - short teeth as a result of a structural dental factor, cause the phenomenon of overcompensation on the part of the gums so that the gums are more exposed.
- Gingivitis - Gingivitis may manifest itself in hyperplasia, a condition in which there is growth and swelling of the gum tissue. In this situation, the gum tissue covers part of the normal tooth surface, so that a smile is created that exposes the gums more at the expense of exposing the teeth.
Treatment methods:
The way of treatment will answer the phenomenon only if it is determined according to the source of the problem, therefore it is important to get a correct diagnosis.
- Orthodontic treatment - when the condition is due to a dental reason - a prominent position of the front teeth or a tilt which is a factor that prevents the upper lip from positioning itself over the upper gums and covering them optimally. Improving the position of the teeth and changing the length of the upper incisors will allow the release of the upper lip.
- Orthogenetic surgery - when the source of the problem is an increased vertical dimension of the upper jaw, the purpose of the surgery is to shorten the excess height.
- Gingivectomy/ crown extension - removal of gum tissue around the crown of the tooth, will result in the exposure of tooth material at the expense of the gums.
- Frenulum surgery - a strip of tissue that stretches between the upper lip and the upper gums, when this strip is short it limits the activity of the upper lip. In a surgical process, the tissue is released and the result allows the tongue a wider range of motion.
- Botox injection - if the source of the problem is increased mobility of the muscles of expression, the recommended treatment is the injection of botulinum toxin (Botox) into the muscles of expression. The botox reduces the nerve stimulation to the muscles and thus weakens their movement. The botox injection will relax the upper lip and significantly improve the appearance of the exposed gums. Botox injection is also effective in situations where it is chosen to treat cosmetically for aesthetics only. Botox provides a quick solution - within a few days, you can see an excellent aesthetic result. The result is maintained for about 3-6 months, the treatment is not surgical and you can return to routine activities immediately after the treatment.
Side effects/risks:
Gummy Smile treatment using Botox may in rare cases cause weakness and laxity of the upper lip, this condition is temporary and transient.
It is important to remember ❣️
Smiling not only changes the facial expression but can also cause the brain to produce endorphins, which reduce the feeling of physical and mental pain and create a feeling of well-being. So, don't let any limitations stop you from smiling.